Ben Sasse Announces 1 Grim Fight: Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

Former U.S. Senator opens up about his diagnosis with raw honesty, vowing to battle the disease with grace, humor, and unwavering spirit.

In a poignant and candid social media post, former Republican Senator Ben Sasse revealed that he is facing a formidable opponent: stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The 53-year-old from Nebraska shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) with stark clarity, writing, “I’m gonna die.” His announcement has resonated deeply, highlighting both the brutality of the disease and the profound human response to mortality.

Sasse’s post, which you can read here, delves into his mindset. “Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do,” he reflected. This philosophical stance underscores his acceptance while emphasizing life’s fragility. He drew strength from his inner circle, stating, “I’m blessed with amazing siblings and half-a-dozen buddies that are genuinely brothers.” Citing a friend’s wisdom, he added, “As one of them put it, ‘Sure, you’re on the clock, but we’re all on the clock.’ Death is a wicked thief, and the bastard pursues us all.”

The former senator’s career has been marked by independent thinking. Serving from 2015 to 2023, he was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict President Donald Trump in the second impeachment trial after the January 6 Capitol riot—a move detailed in this CNN report. This vote drew fierce criticism from Trump, who called him a “grandstanding, little-respected senator” at a 2022 rally. Sasse’s principled stands defined his tenure, showcasing a commitment to institutional integrity over partisan loyalty.

After leaving the Senate, Sasse became the 13th president of the University of Florida in 2023 but resigned last year to care for his wife following her epilepsy diagnosis. Now, confronting his own health crisis, Sasse remains defiant. “I’ll have more to say. I’m not going down without a fight,” he asserted. His resolve is coupled with hope in scientific progress. “One sub-part of God’s grace is found in the jawdropping advances science has made the past few years in immunotherapy and more,” he wrote. He distinguishes between death and dying, noting, “Death and dying aren’t the same — the process of dying is still something to be lived.” His family is embracing gallows humor, and Sasse pledged to “run through the irreverent tape.”

Pancreatic cancer is a relentless disease. While it accounts for only about 3% of all new cancer cases in the U.S., it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and is projected to become the second by 2030. The five-year survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is a mere 3%. Early detection is challenging because symptoms often appear late, and there is no single recommended blood test for screening. Dr. Brian Wolpin, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explained in a CNN interview that “80% or more of patients present with advanced disease where we know at the time of their presentation, we’re very unlikely to be able to cure the cancer.” This underscores the urgent need for research and awareness, championed by organizations like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

Sasse’s announcement has triggered an outpouring of support from across the political aisle. Colleagues praised his courage, with many echoing his call to cherish life. His story transcends politics, touching anyone who has faced adversity. By sharing his journey openly, Sasse sheds light on pancreatic cancer’s realities while modeling resilience. His blend of humor, faith, and fighting spirit offers a blueprint for navigating terminal illness.

As Sasse embarks on this difficult path, his legacy of public service and personal authenticity endures. From authoring books on civic virtue to advocating for educational reform, he has consistently engaged with America’s challenges. Now, in his most personal battle, he invites reflection on mortality and meaning. Sasse’s message is clear: while death is inevitable, how we live—and fight—matters profoundly. Ben Sasse